Even so--
"Looks like... It's not working. Why!?"
With the storm showing no signs of abating, midnight had arrived. Godou clutched his head.
While he listened to Erica's instruction, only a trickle of knowledge managed to flow into the pool in his heart. It felt like forging brilliantly lustrous golden steel, one particle at a time. However, it was totally not enough.
"What am I missing!?"
It would pose no problem to Godou if he were asked to write a two-hundred-word essay on Melqart right now. Nevertheless, what on earth was the problem!?
"Was Lucretia mistaken...? A spirit vision received by a witch like her should not be this impractical. Then the problem is -- could it be that?"
Erica seemed to have realized something.
"Hey Godou, can you tell me about the influences of ancient Sumerian civilizations on the origins of the Ugaritic pantheon headed by Baal?"
"Of course not. Probably those ancient civilizations like Sumer or Mesopotamia?"
Godou answered using what vague knowledge he could recall.
"By the way, Erica, you never taught me that at all."
"Well, how about the Phoenicians, Canaanites and Hebrews who worshiped Baal and equivalently Melqart as their chief deity? Do you understand what roles these groups played between the ancient orient and the Mediterranean?"
"Of course not. Other than the fact that the Phoenicians were a seafaring tribe, I know nothing."
"That must be it!"
Erica immediately exclaimed as she shook her head.
"Right now, you've only memorized the concise origins, but you have yet to understand the god's true nature and process of development. That is why you're unable to use the golden sword..."
"Simply memorizing and rote learning won't work!?"
Godou was greatly surprised. Nevertheless, he did agree with her statement.
"Let alone essays, you could write a book or two using the knowledge required... Before we attempt any further, let me ask this first, what exactly do I need to learn?"
"Right... For sure, Phoenician history is required. Likewise for knowledge about ancient Palestine. Let's skip Judaism and Christianity which grew out of oriental soil for now since it'd be more appropriate to first understand what is considered the most ancient culture, that of the Sumerians. Also, same for Egypt. After that, there is the primitive nomadic society which gave rise to the existence of the sky god..."
"Can this lecture be done within half a day or so?"
"Are you stupid? Even if you spend two hundred times the time, it's impossible!"
" "......" "
Realizing the difficulty they faced, Godou and Erica fell silent.
In that very instant, a large crash of thunder descended nearby.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! The crash resounded.
Furthermore, blown by strong wind, a broken board smashed into the bedroom window with a great "bang!" With the sound of shattering glass, raging wind and rain invaded the room.
"In that case, we might as well do what we can..."
Realizing the storm was strengthening, Godou muttered.
"Erica, in any case, you should tell me all the information you consider essential, one piece at a time. I don't know if we'll make it in time, but we must give our full effort for as long as we're able to."
"That's a waste of effort. Rather than that, let's first review our options for a more practical plan."
As Godou suggested they continue no matter what, Erica made a proposal.
"For example, there's [Instruction] magic, which can pour knowledge into the mind in very short time... It will be much more practical and efficient in comparison."
"Eh? Such convenient magic exists!?"
"Yes. Although it's a spell which only maintains its effects for half a day or so, it does allow an entire library of books' worth of knowledge to be transmitted without issue. However, there remains the fact that you are a Campione."
Though Erica displayed hope for the first time, she immediately continued with an expression of melancholy.
"Remember how all the magic cast on us was deflected by you? That effect not only applies to hostile magic, but also towards beneficial magic as well."
"So there's no other way to remember other than through magic after all..."
"Well, it's not like we're Bianchi, taking shortcuts... Ah."
Erica suddenly stopped talking as if she had said something wrong. Furthermore, her beautiful face went all red. Godou was intrigued. What was going on?
"You've already said this much, don't just stop there. Continue."
"T-There shouldn't be anything to continue! I refuse to sacrifice any additional purity beyond what I've already lost! Forget everything you just heard!"
"W-Wait a minute! Where are you going!?"
Erica suddenly ran out of the room, screaming with her face flushed red, completely ignoring Godou's calls for her to stop. Her figure gradually receded in the distance.
Part 3
Night had passed and it was now 11am the next day.
Godou was idling in the Zamparini residence's astonishingly spacious living room. It was like a hotel lobby with three very large sofa couches. There was also a large LCD television.
Erica had gone missing since last night. After questioning the maids, Godou found out she had apparently left the mansion.
Godou had wondered if he should go find her but finally decided against it. He was now sitting alone on a couch, watching television. A local cable news program was currently airing, reporting live the situation of Palermo after the storm zone had arrived for half a day.
Within the confines of an interior bay in the harbor, what should have been a calm and peaceful sea was now a turbulent storm.
The seaside route of Corso Vittorio Emanuele had also flooded.
On this city's bustling street were numerous tourist attractions such as duomo cathedrals or the Palazzo dei Normanni. It also featured sixteenth century structures such as Porta Nuova on its west and Porta Felice on the eastern end.
Just now, Godou had asked one of Zamparini's suited subordinates about the situation in the city.
There seemed to be an exceptionally intense aura occupying the airspace above the Bay of Palermo. Melqart was causing the storm from there... That was what the magi had observed.
By the way, it really was an exceptionally fierce storm...
Though compared to the most severe class of storm that Godou knew, this level of rain and wind speed was definitely not the highest. From what he could tell on television, cars could still barely make their way across the roads near the Bay of Palermo. It was not yet the kind of flood which paralyzed the functioning of an entire city.
To Melqart, this storm was probably just a warmup exercise.
The attack scheduled to arrive at dusk again, now that would be true divine punishment descending from the sky god...
"Ultimately, no matter what, I have to face him..."
Muttering to himself, Godou felt burdened with a heavy heart.
If he simply let the situation develop as before and entered another "duel" against Melqart, the result would likely be identical. He would be killed without the slightest idea how to counterattack. Trying to challenge the outcome again would not bring any changes.
With an incredibly gloomy heart, Godou looked up at the images on television.
No matter what their size, ships and boats moored at the harbor were gradually washed away.
The city streets were flooded as a result of the persisting rainstorm. The howling wind was sending signs and timber flying, as well as wooden huts and building materials such as bricks from some home... Not only were branches snapped off by the wind, even entire tree trunks could be found scattered across the streets.
The city of Palermo was brought to a tragic state.
Melqart had already announced. He will sink this city into the sea today at sunset.
"I can't ignore wha
t's happening, right..."
Godou had witnessed all sorts of scenes on the television.
This was enough to rouse Godou's determination. If the one who interfered in the battle between Verethragna the war god and Melqart the god of storms, if he himself did not handle this situation--
Just at that moment, noticing someone behind him, Godou turned around to find Erica.
"What the heck are you doing? You didn't even try to find me. I can't believe you're just lazing around in a place like this."
Despite Erica's scolding words, Godou replied calmly.
"Because I knew you'd return by yourself."
"Why?"
"Since I'm the only one who has the slightest chance of winning, and Erica, you're the only one who knows the way to victory, if we don't cooperate, that god cannot be stopped. I felt that given you're so smart, you'll definitely figure that out and come back. Well--"
Seeing that Erica was clearly still angry, Godou continued.
"Basically, it's the only choice left given no alternatives... That's what I thought."
"Isn't that completely obvious!? Had there been an alternative path of survival, I would never have steeled my heart to return. And to think Godou you are sitting here all casual, it's truly infuriating!"
"A-Am I really that casual?"
As Erica continued her temper tantrum, Godou was at his wits' end.
"I'm really worried as I watch this city and island being targeted, you know."
"So am I. In order to safeguard a virgin's purity, sacrificing a city or two would not be too much -- that's what I was thinking, but as a knight, I can't really allow myself to give in to such temptation..."
"Purity? Didn't you mention that yesterday as well?"
As Godou stood there bewildered, Erica suddenly traced out complicated patterns in the air with her finger to form some kind of seal.
"...This is barrier magic. A spell to prevent anyone from coming in here for now."
She's making sure we have privacy! Godou felt more and more suspicious.
"Magic is ineffective against Devil King Campiones. This is a fundamental principle that cannot be overturned. However, exceptions do exist after all. Godou, you've already experienced it before."
"Eh?"
"After the battle against Bianchi, I gave you a drug, right? One that produces the same effect as performing healing magic on a human. You recovered so quickly thanks to that."
"Eh? But isn't magic ineffective against Campiones?"
"Yes. But through the intake of a magical drug, applying magic to the body from the inside is a completely different matter."
"So, based on what you said yesterday, Erica, if there's a drug infused with magic for transmitting knowledge -- all I need to do is swallow it!"
"That's exactly the issue. But no such drug exists. Even if it existed, the chances of successfully teaching you all knowledge on Melqart... Is zero."
Asserting directly, Erica turned to face Godou with a decisive expression.
"Only one method remains. Applying [Instruction] magic through the mouth, pouring all necessary knowledge into you -- I've already spent a night in contemplation, there is no other way!"
Applying through the mouth? In other words, could it be that?
"Could it be, s-something like mouth to mouth!?"
"Yes. Precisely. Applying magic to you in any other manner will not work."
Before they knew it, Godou and Erica found themselves looking at each other face to face.
They were both blushing. After all, this was how embarrassing this kind of thing was to them.
"To be that concerned with purity... Erica is actually inexperienced, after all?"
"I-Isn't that obvious? As the daughter of the Blandelli family, of course I wish to preserve a virgin state for the beloved man I shall marry one day..."
Erica confessed despite her trembling lips.
"However, in any case, because of such extenuating circumstances, it can't be helped. Imagining myself from a [King]'s standpoint, if there was a young maiden beside me who possessed the knowledge I required for battle -- I would immediately order her to offer her lips. For the sake of dueling a god."
"N-No, but that's terrible!"
"Which is why I said it can't be helped -- rather, this is quite unfair. We are simply doing what we must do. You are fighting because you are [King]. I am assisting the [King] as a knight. All for the sake of saving this poor innocent city and its people."
With what appeared to be awe-inspiring honor, as well as the shy heart of a pure maiden, Erica declared.
Furthermore, she began to whisper as she brought her face near Godou's cheek.
"You should understand clearly now? There's no other way."
"A-Ah yeah. But then, how should I put this--"
"How indecisive of you... Fine, if you don't have the courage to do so, I will take initiative and kiss you first."
Declaring courageously, Erica pressed her lips even closer. However.
Just as she was about to reach Godou's lips, her movements stopped. Those lustrous lips of hers, were trembling nonstop. She must be scared after all, hesitating over her first time.
"Godou. You are the [King] while I am the knight. Hence, this should stand as no loss to either you or me."
Erica shuddered as she mustered her courage and drew her face close again.
Consequently, Godou also steeled his determination. After the battle against Verethragna, Erica had kept initiative firmly in her hands, but this could not be allowed to continue indefinitely.
He definitely could not become anyone's puppet.
The most important thing was "decisiveness." As well as the shouldering of responsibility. Hence, I shall--
"Erica, I will fight Melqart. I'm very sorry, but please lend your strength to me!"
While making this declaration, Godou approached with his face -- and took Erica's lips.
"Mmm, hmm!?"
"Teach me, things about that god."
Kissing awkwardly as he muttered. Erica's lips were sealed.
"G-Got it. Okay, Godou? Melqart, and equivalently, Baal originated from the primitive society of Semitic tribes, a very ancient divinity, you see..."
"S-Semitic tribes? In concrete terms, that means?"
"Just ask slowly and gradually, one question at a time. I will teach you properly -- and transmit to you... Mmmm."
Both of them were clearly unaccustomed to this.
Kissing as they pressed their lips firmly together, they frantically conversed. Following such a rhythm, their teeth often collided and they even made unnecessary talk.
Nevertheless, they continued to hold their lips tightly together.
Erica's magic was transmitting vivid images and bountiful knowledge into Godou's mind. Numerous geographical locations and historical drama. The names and legends of the gods who ruled over this great land. For the sake of connecting various elements, and interpreting all kinds of keywords...
"As Melqart's true form, Baal is a divinity that could not have been conceived in a land with four seasons like Japan. He is a god born from the desert and the wilderness. Furthermore, he is the [God of Storms] formed from both the searing sun and torrential rains."
Passionately whispering softly, Erica's lips felt unbelievably sweet.
"Records of Baal in literature are extremely few in number. Nevertheless, he frequently makes his appearance in a certain ancient text that survives in close proximity to us. Namely, the Bible's Old Testament. Baal's traces are actually most commonly found in the sacred text of the religion that regarded him with enmity."
While knowledge was repeatedly transmitted, the two of them kept leaning their bodies forward more and more. Godou seemed to be trying to cover up Erica's mouth completely as he pressed his lips down upon her.
Sealed by such pressure, Erica's lips continued to transmit knowledge without pause.
However, she did not remain passive and reactionary for long.
Furthermore, she was using her lips to carefully explore Godou's lips. Even the tiniest of spaces between their lips were being cautiously compressed as they continued to kiss.
Wishing to probe ever deeper, their hearts opened sincerely to each other and connected.
Those were Godou's hopes, and probably Erica's too. Thus, their kissing naturally grew more and more passionate as they continued.
Perhaps due to their inexperience in this type of behavior, they did not reach overly intense heights.
However, their rich and delicate kisses caused saliva to continually escape the confines of their lips, completely moistening the corners of their mouths, moving as if under a dreamlike state.
Not long after that, the two of them suddenly let go of each other's lips with a surprised expression, their faces blushing brightly.
Immediately, Godou could feel Verethragna's dormant power in his body awaken.
The pool of water in his heart that was previously accumulating in a drop-wise fashion, was flooded all of a sudden -- filling his heart with an incredible sense of satisfaction.
It could now be used. What the warlord Verethragna had used once, the god-severing spell words were now ready for use.
Certain he had obtained a new weapon, Godou nodded deeply.
Part 4
Things were exceptionally awkward afterwards.
Godou and Erica were unable to look into each other's face. No matter what, it was too embarrassing.
Godou desperately searched his mind for a way to start a conversation with Erica. However, he was a fifteen-year-old boy with absolutely no experience in this area. Most probably, he would not be able to find any model answer.
"S-Say, Erica..."
"Do not speak a single word! There is no need for that... I am totally fine. I, Erica Blandelli, will not lose composure to something like this. This is no shock to me."
Cutting Godou off, Erica murmured as she continued comforting herself.
"Besides... Although there was no choice given the emergency situation, it is still within acceptable limits, even to me. Had the boy I kissed been an earthworm or a hyena, even if those were lips that would drive me to bite my tongue to commit suicide afterwards, I will not complain a single word."
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